MARCO, the agency specialised in brand building and reputation management, has been awarded one of the highest global recognitions: Best Crisis Management at the PRWeek UK Corporate Affairs Awards 2025, for its strategic plan implemented for Peugeot and extended to the Stellantis Group. MARCO stood out as the only Spanish consultancy among the awardees.
During the ceremony held this Wednesday, 7 May, at the exclusive Biltmore Mayfair Hotel in London, the PRWeek UK jury highlighted the coordination of the integrated strategy, the methodology and multi-channel procedures, and the positive impact achieved.
The plan designed by MARCO, structured in a three-phase strategy, turned a reputational crisis into an opportunity to craft a new narrative, reach specific target segments, and strengthen the bond and commitment between the brand and its stakeholders.
The initial phase included a reputational audit, scenario planning and contingency strategies, as well as the activation of both internal and external communication channels. The aim was to provide swift and effective responses across traditional media, community management, and customer care. As a result, record-breaking response times and higher satisfaction scores from the sales and after-sales network were achieved, supported by the deployment of specialised “brand recovery ambassador” training sessions.
To take the lead in the media narrative, MARCO worked with Peugeot and Stellantis to develop marketing value propositions, including warranty extension programmes and customer support initiatives, with the goal of reinforcing the brand’s historic DNA.
In the third phase, the consultancy redefined messaging and the overall crisis narrative, positioning Peugeot as a leader in electric mobility and sustainability. This was achieved through educational content, media briefings, and a media study on the profile of Spanish drivers. Editorial pieces highlighting Peugeot’s social relevance over recent decades were also promoted, aimed at rebuilding brand loyalty among current and prospective customers.
The campaign generated noteworthy results, significantly reducing negative sentiment on social media and increasing positive feedback. The methodology used, praised for its effectiveness, is now being replicated in other markets.
This international recognition highlights MARCO’s capacity to manage complex scenarios and turn challenges into growth opportunities, reinforcing its position as a leading agency in corporate communications and multi-market crisis management, and the only Spanish consultancy recognised in these awards.
Tomás Matesanz, Chief Strategy, Public Affairs and Crisis Officer at MARCO, expressed his gratitude: “We thank the PRWeek UK Corporate Affairs Awards for recognising our work, and Stellantis Group, Peugeot, and Publicis Collective for their trust in us and our proprietary methodology. This award reinforces our cross-market strategy, which is already being adopted by other Stellantis brands and European markets. We are proud to be the only Spanish consultancy represented at these awards.”